This is one of a series of articles by the Plumber Chelmsford blog.
If you live in a home that is not insulated the chances are up to a quarter of the heat generated in your home disappears through the roof. Many people fail to realise that insulating your loft doesn’t have to be a difficult task. It is a straightforward and very cost effective way to reduce your heating bills and something to be seriously considered at time when energy costs continue to rise.
The recommended depth of insulation for your loft is 270mm and industry research shows that on average a saving of £145 per year can be made based on a gas heated semi-detached house with three bedrooms.
To have loft insulation installed by someone else will cost around £250 and obviously you can reduce this cost if doing it yourself. In any event, loft insulation lasts over 40 years so making the investment will pay for itself time and time again.
As a general rule of thumb, your home will be suitable for loft insulation just so long as the loft is easily accessible. Even if it isn’t, the chances are that blown insulation could be used but this process has to be carried out by a professional installer.
A person with competent DIY skills may feel able to undertake the task themselves. They would use loft insulation blankets or ‘quilts’ which basically have to be laid over the loft area. The job does have to be done to a good standard to avoid unnecessary waste. Don’t forget this can also be laid over any existing loft installation you have to boost your overall energy saving efforts.
Blown installation is installed by a professional and will involve specialist equipment which blows a loose fire proof material into the loft space.
Not only will loft installation save you money but you will effectively also be doing your bit for the environment. By saving energy you home will produce less carbon dioxide emissions that are one of the greatest causes of climate change.
It is also worth bearing in mind that you may be entitled to a government grant to help towards the cost of installing loft installation so be sure to check with your local authority.